*Starch-Free Success Stories* Guest Blog: Lana Buettner
If you’ve been part of the online ankylosing spondylitis (AS) diet and lifestyle community for a while you’ve, no doubt, noticed that this community is filled with wonderful individuals. Lana Buettner is one of the people that make this community so great. She understands first-hand the power that diet and lifestyle can have on those who suffer from AS.
Her story is as inspiring as her desire to help others along on their journey. Stories like Lana’s kept me going when the going got tough. She has seen much improvement and success. Thank you, Lana, for doing what you do and being who you are!
Lana Buettner’s post is part of the “Starch-Free Success Stories” series.
What health issues are you dealing with, when did they begin, and how long did it take to get a diagnosis?
I was diagnosed with Axial Spondyloarthritis (Ankylosing Spondylitis) in 2015, three years after the onset of my first symptoms. It all started in 2012 when I was playing Division 1 college tennis in Oregon. I was experiencing back/SI pain, constant fatigue, stiffness, gut issues, and overall inflammation in my body.
Doctors and trainers thought it was due to overtraining and stress. We tried many different measures (rest, painkillers, nerve ablations, training modification) but nothing worked. Even after college, not playing competitive tennis anymore, my back pain was still very much present. That’s when I got referred to a rheumatologist who did all the necessary tests and gave me the diagnosis.
What was the lowest point on your health journey?
Shortly after being diagnosed. I went through an intense rollercoaster of emotions. Fear, anxiety, frustration, overwhelm of entering the unknown, with so many questions and only few answers. What would this mean for the rest of my life? Could I still be an athlete? How could I manage my pain? At that time I was also moving to a new city and starting my first job, so it was a lot.
Did your doctors suggest any treatments that you rejected? If so, why did you choose to try other methods?
My rheumatologist first suggested strong anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs), which I took for several months. They did work well, however, I quickly developed gut issues and discomfort from it, so I stopped. Then we discussed biologics as a next step. I decided to not go with this option. I didn’t feel like it was the right approach for me at this time, and luckily my progression and case were more mild than many others who don’t really have the choice. I thought there must be a more natural approach to help with my symptoms. That’s when I discovered Functional Medicine. I consulted various practitioners over the years, focusing on my gut health, lifestyle, and environment. Today I am still not taking any medication.
What foods are you most sensitive to? Which foods do you avoid?
While in college, before my diagnosis, I decided to go 100% gluten-free. This was a helpful first step and had a positive impact on my inflammation, gut issues, and tiredness levels. However, as I continued the journey to heal my gut, I adapted my diet a lot more. I tried several approaches such as the no/low starch diet and the autoimmune protocol. This was key to getting me to a baseline level of pain to feel normal again. My energy came back, I felt less stiff, and I could work out again. Over the last couple of years as I have felt better and better, I have become more flexible with my diet in that I eat more (gluten-free) starch again and have incorporated more foods which are usually in the elimination phase of AIP.
The foods I avoid are gluten and industrial seed oils, and then I reduce dairy and refined sugar as much as possible. I focus on whole foods (healthy protein and fats, lots of vegetables, and some healthy carbs). This is my lifestyle, I don’t feel like I am missing out, and I can adapt my diet when I am traveling or eating out.
What is your go-to easy breakfast? How do you start each day?
My go-to breakfast at the moment is chia pudding that I prepare the night before (chia seeds mixed with coconut milk), and then in the morning, I add berries, half a banana, and some almond butter. Delicious 🙂
I also like to start my morning with a cup of bone broth. Slow mornings are what my body and mind need. A walk outside, some gentle movement, stretching, and a nice breakfast. Then I am ready to start with work. Sometimes I also do intermittent fasting, depending on how I feel (it’s a really helpful tool for me if I feel a flare coming).
What alternative therapies you have used?
I have tried various therapies over the years: physio, osteopathy, acupuncture, massage, fasting, diet changes, supplements, gut health protocols, and more. I also stayed twice in a holistic hospital in Germany. Each time it was a 2-week stay under medical supervision with different therapies. All of these have been helpful to reduce my inflammation and in understanding how everything is connected when it comes to lifestyle and mental/physical health.
My lifestyle is my medicine. Food is medicine. Movement is medicine. Mindfulness is medicine. Connection is medicine. Nature is medicine. The list goes on.
It’s only when I understood this, how the gut-brain-body axis works, and how much stress impacts everything else, that I was able to get better consistently over time.
It can seem like our lives are consumed by a chronic illness, but there is so much beyond those struggles. What brings you joy?
Such an important topic!
It’s about focusing on the small things that bring us joy. One question I always ask my clients is “What energizes you?” If we can find those simple moments on a daily basis, we can be more in the present moment and at peace, and strengthen our mind-body connection.
What brings me joy? Tennis, Padel, Yoga, being in nature, quality moments with my friends, family, and partner, petting my cats, and doing my coaching work which brings me a lot of purpose.
What advice do you have for people who are just starting out?
Trust the process. Things will get better. Be patient on your journey and be open to trying new approaches which feel aligned with your values and beliefs.
Get help. You don’t have to go through it alone. Build your support network.
Listen to your body. Symptoms are messengers for change. What can you adapt in your lifestyle and environment?
Most importantly, learn to slow down and cultivate self-kindness and self-love. More being. Less doing.
You are the best advocate for your own health. Believe in yourself and in your power to feel better.
Lana Buettner is a Board Certified Functional Health Coach, currently living in Munich with her boyfriend and two cats. Lana coaches in English, French, and German and guides people on their health journey with autoimmune conditions.
Find out more about her services and approach www.lanabuettner.com and IG @lanabuettner
Disclaimer: Starch-Free Feasting may discuss topics related to diet and nutrition. The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Consult a physician or medical professional before making changes to your diet and medication. You assume the risk of any potential injury that may result.
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